Martin Wood

England

Features Writer and Editorial Assistant at Game Rant

Content Writer, Editorial Assistant, Hot Mess | he/him Editor @TheArcademic Writer @GameRant

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Articles

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games Needs To Find A Healthy Balance

2 weeks ago | gamerant.com | Martin Wood

While it might be good news that the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature updated versions of some original Switch games, a potential imbalance between these new editions may already be forming that Nintendo should keep an eye on. Though the focus of the Nintendo Switch 2 has been on its next-gen games, Nintendo has also ensured the longevity of previous Switch games as it transitions to its new console.
Nintendo Switch 2's Lack of News For Two Games is Sad, But Understandable

2 weeks ago | gamerant.com | Martin Wood

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Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Marks A Growing Trend For Zelda Games

2 weeks ago | gamerant.com | Martin Wood

Besides confirming that the spin-off series is still alive and well, the reveal of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment could also point to a new trend within Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda franchise that's giving one central character a break. Among the exhaustive announcements made during April's Nintendo Direct ahead of the Switch 2's launch was the reveal of a third Hyrule Warriors game based on The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Donkey Kong Bananza Wears Its Super Mario Odyssey Influences On Its Sleeve

2 weeks ago | gamerant.com | Martin Wood

The recent announcement and trailer for Donkey Kong Bananza have revealed that the titular gorilla's new look wasn't the only change for the series, with the upcoming game appearing to wear its Super Mario Odyssey influences on its sleeve. Beyond several remakes, crossovers, and cameos in various Nintendo games, Donkey Kong Bananza marks the first new game since 2014's Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and an overdue return to 3D platforming after Donkey Kong 64 in 1999.
Horizon 3 Can Refresh Tallnecks with a Trick From Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

2 weeks ago | gamerant.com | Martin Wood

After Tallnecks returned in some new and interesting ways in Horizon Forbidden West, the next Horizon game should look to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for tricks it could pull with this key mechanic. First introduced in Horizon Zero Dawn as an integral feature allowing players to obtain in-game maps and get a literal lay of the land, the Tallnecks arguably stood out most for their size, striking appearance, and overall passivity compared to other machines.
Nintendo Switch 2's Social Features Could Be a Godsend for One Underserved Genre

2 weeks ago | gamerant.com | Martin Wood

As arguably the biggest and most important showcase of 2025, the latest announcements for the Nintendo Switch 2 revealed some key features that could help revive a longstanding, albeit underserved, genre within Nintendo games.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Has Left One Bizarre But Important Question Hanging

2 weeks ago | gamerant.com | Martin Wood

Despite how small a detail it might seem and how weird it might be for Nintendo to bring it up during its showcase of the Nintendo Switch 2, an important question still remains about an infamous but crucial safety feature. Much like the original Nintendo Switch, Nintendo is again demonstrating its focus on making the Nintendo Switch 2 and its games just as family-friendly, such as providing updated and enhanced parental controls for the upcoming console.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A's Day-Night Cycle Could Set The Stage For The Next Pokemon Legends Game

2 weeks ago | gamerant.com | Martin Wood

Besides a new approach to its battling system, the contrast between these trainer battles and Pokemon Legends: Z-A's day-night cycle seems uncharacteristic for the series, something which could be laying the groundwork for the next Pokemon Legends game. With the introduction of internal batteries to Game Boy Color cartridges, Pokemon Gold and Silver debuted an in-game day-night cycle, which has since become a core mechanic throughout the Pokemon series.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A's Battle Royale Could Be Hiding A Mythical Pokemon

3 weeks ago | gamerant.com | Martin Wood

After finally revealing how Pokemon Legends: Z-A got its name, the game's new approach to trainer battles and its Z-A Royale premise could allude to the potential return of one particular Mythical Pokemon.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A

3 weeks ago | gamerant.com | Martin Wood

While Pokemon Legends: Z-A's latest rumors have focused on which Pokemon will supposedly receive all-new Mega Evolutions, the leaked list could also hint at how the upcoming game will replace an integral feature from its predecessor. Ever since its original announcement teased the return of Mega Evolutions, significant speculation has been centered around which Pokemon would receive new Mega Evolved forms in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.